
Lowest level of livestock antibiotics
Multi-drug resistance in pigs and poultry has fallen to an all-time low after a decade of reducing antibiotic use.
The amount of antibiotics sold for livestock remains at the lowest level to date, says Defra. But an increase in antibiotic usage for some livestock sectors highlights the need for continued action, it adds.
The figures were published in the latest UK-Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance and Sales Surveillance (VARSS) Report – unveiled last month during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week.
Stemming the tide
They show that antibiotic sales in livestock remain 59% lower than in 2014. Sales of antibiotics of highest critical importance to human health remain at extremely low levels, accounting for less than 0.5% of total veterinary antibiotic sales.
UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “This year’s UK-VARSS report demonstrates how continued collaboration is helping to maintain progress in the responsible use of antibiotics thereby stemming the tide of resistance.
She added: “It is crucial that we continue to work with our farmers and vets as well as our counterparts internationally on tackling this One Health risk.”
This year’s report marks 10 years of collecting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data from the pig and poultry sectors – and include reports on AMR levels in sheep, beef, and dairy cattle for the first the time.
Commitment
This initial baseline data helps provide a more complete picture of AMR, says Defra. It also begins to address a key UK commitment to tackle data gaps around antibiotic use and resistance.
Veterinary Medicines Directorate chief executive Abi Seager said: “The positive trends demonstrate the dedication of the UK’s farmers and vets to ensure responsible antibiotic use in animals.”
This has resulted in declining AMR levels – but Defra cautions against getting carried away. If increases seen in some sectors become trends, AMR could increase. This highlights the need for continued antibiotic stewardship efforts.
APHA chief executive Jenny Stewart said the report highlighted the need for continued action in this space. “We will continue to work closely with UK vets and farmers, as well as international partners, to address the threat of AMR.”
Catherine McLaughlin, chair of the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) said the results showed that collaborative, voluntary efforts over the past decade – including by UK farmers – were clearly paying off.
“The fact that AMR continues to decline with multi-drug resistance in animals at an all-time low should be applauded and should reassure everyone that the work on responsible use and stewardship is making a real and tangible difference.
Ms McLaughlin added: “These latest results will undoubtedly give everyone the ongoing confidence and continued focus to build on what is already done and be as ambitious as possible as we drive forward our efforts to tackle AMR.”
Resistance remains huge global challenge
Antimicrobial resistance is a huge global challenge, affecting human and animal health, food security, and economic growth.
It occurs when bacteria and other microorganisms evolve to resist antimicrobial drugs like antibiotics, rendering these treatments less effective or even ineffective in animals and people.
New estimates show more than 39m deaths directly attributable to bacterial AMR will occur between now and 2050.
Experts say avoiding unnecessary antibiotic usage in humans and animals is crucial to slowing the development of antibiotic resistance.
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